Israel has initiated a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas and rescue remaining hostages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots,” is focused on capturing key strategic zones within the enclave.
According to the IDF, troops have been mobilized to target and take control of Hamas strongholds. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli forces claim to have struck more than 150 sites across Gaza. The offensive follows weeks of mounting pressure and comes after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire in March.
Hamas-run civil defense officials report that approximately 250 people have died since the offensive began on Thursday, including at least 58 killed overnight. Aid workers and medical personnel in the region describe worsening humanitarian conditions, with many families repeatedly displaced and struggling to find safe shelter.
As part of the operation, residents in several parts of northern and central Gaza have been instructed to evacuate. However, humanitarian organizations say relocating civilians has become nearly impossible due to overcrowding and ongoing hostilities. Many have already been displaced multiple times during the conflict.
The offensive was launched shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a regional visit. His administration has expressed concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis, with Trump acknowledging severe food shortages and hunger among Gaza’s population.
International reaction has been swift. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that Israel’s intensified strikes and movement of civilians could be interpreted as efforts to permanently alter the demographic composition of Gaza, raising serious questions about compliance with international law.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is “troubled” by the scale of violence and continues to urge a return to ceasefire negotiations.
The IDF has amassed thousands of troops, including reservists, along the Gaza border. Reports indicate that full-scale ground operations are imminent as the campaign progresses.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed earlier this month that Israel was preparing for a sustained ground incursion to “take and hold territory.” He previously stated that military action would not begin until President Trump left the region.
The current situation in Gaza remains dire. According to humanitarian aid workers, conditions in hospitals are worsening due to malnutrition and overcapacity. Dr. Victoria Rose, a British surgeon working at Nasser Hospital, described children with severe burn injuries, weakened immune systems, and signs of starvation. “Many children have lost teeth and are highly vulnerable to infections,” she said.
A recent UN-backed report found Gaza to be at imminent risk of famine. Despite this, the Israeli government continues to deny allegations of a food shortage.
The conflict stems from the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. Israel says Hamas still holds 58 hostages. Since the war began, over 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
